Controlling means for multiple sliding doors.



' H. G. VOIGHT.

CONTROLLING MEANS FOR MULTIPLE SLIDING DOORS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 3, 1913.

Patented J an. 20, 1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

5 vwe nlfoz H, G. VOIGHT.

CONTROLLING MEANS FOR MULTIPLE SLIDING DOORS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 3, 191a.

, 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H. G. VOIGHT.

CONTROLLING MEANS FOR MULTIPLE SLIDING DOORS.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 3. 1,085,073. Patented Jan. 20, 1914.

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.H. G. VOIGHT.

CONTROLLING MEANS FOR MULTIPLE SLIDING DOORS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 3. 1913.

1,085,073. Patented Jan. 20, 1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

wilt'wwoeo (q vocal U601 HENRY G. VOIGI-I'I,

OF NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT.

CONTROLLING MEANS FOR MULTIPLE SLIDING DOORS.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY Gr. Vororrr, a citizen of the United States, residing at New Britain, Hartford county, State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Controlling Means for Multiple Sliding Doors of which the following is a full, .clear, and exact description.

The present invention is concerned with improved operatingmeans for a series of complemental sliding door sections, and is designed to provide means for moving said sections so as to reach fully opened and closed positions substantially simultaneously and at the same time operable with but a minimum expenditure of power to effect these operations.

The invention also includes means for locking the door sections against opening movement except from one side of a door, and further provides means whereby but a minimum expenditure of power is required to partially open the door.

These and other advantages will more fully appear from the following detailed specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part thereof and illustrating a preferable embodiment of the invention.

In these drawings, Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in front elevation of a series of complement-a1 sliding door sections equipped with the improved operating means of this present invention. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view in elevation of said parts with the outer door sections moved to a position where the door is partially open. Fig. 3 is a similar view with all door sections moved to fully open position. Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are detail views illustrating the connections of the controlling arms to the operating rock shaft. Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 'T7, Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a view in front elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 99 of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view in front elevation of the overlapping edges of the inner and adjacent outer door sections showing the locking handle and controlling'arms connected thereto. Fig. 11 is a view in end elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view in Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 3, 1913.

Patented Jan. 20, 1914.

Serial No. 777,235.

the controlling arm to the outermost door sectlon.

Referring to the drawings by numerals: l and 2 designate adjacent outer sections and 3 the inner section of a three-section sliding door, 4 indicating the stationary casing thereof and 5 the side wall of an elevator shaft, for instance, or other relatively stationary abutment. A plate or frame 6 is fixedly secured to this side Wall 5 and carries adjacent its upper end spaced and alined brackets 7 and 8, the former being bifurcated. A rock shaft 9 has its ends journaled in these spaced brackets. An angle arm 10 is fixedly se cured to the rock shaft 9 between the bifurcations of bracket 7, and at its lower end is pivotally secured to the piston rod 11 of a suitable power mechanism, 12 designating the cylinder of said mechanism, which cylin der is pivotally connected by arm 18 with a bracket 14 suitably secured to the frame or plate 6. This power mechanism is preferably of the type employing a piston and piston rod with a coiled spring within the cylinder acting against the piston. These various sliding door sections are suitably mounted in the door casing to slide as is usual. To the rear edge of each door section but at relatively varying heights are secured spaced brackets 15 connected by guide rods 16. A sliding connection with each of these guide rods is provided, which sliding connection is used as a means for operatively connecting the controlling arms hereinafter described with each of the door sections. These sliding connections are preferably in the form of spaced plates 17 between which are mounted grooved rollers 18 corresponding in curvature to that of the rods 16 and preferably triangularly arranged relative thereto and embracing said rods. The pins upon which these rollers are mounted may be utilized to secure the spaced plates 17 together.

A controlling arm 19 has its rear end fixedly secured in any suitable manner to the rock shaft 9 at a point in line with the rear edge of the outer door section 2, and has its outer end pivotally mounted between the spaced plates 17 of the sliding connection with the rear edge of the door section '2, as at 20. This arm 19 intermediate its ends carries a pin 21 on which is journaled the front elevation showing the connection of 1 rear or inner end of a second arm 22 inclining downwardly from the first arm and having its forward end pivotally mounted as at 23 between the spaced plates 17 of the sliding connection with the rear edge of the forward outer door section 1. This second arm intermediate its ends is pivotally connected as at 24 to a bracket 25 fixedly secured to the rear edge of the second outer door section 2 at a point below the guide rod and sliding connection thereon. Another controlling arm 26 is mounted at its rear or inner end on the rock shaft 9 and extends forwardly and upwardly to bring its forward end between the spaced plates 17 of the sliding connection with the rear edge of the inner door section 3 where it is pivotally mounted between said plates as at 29.

It will be evident that if the intermediate door section 2 is moved rearwardly, the forward end of arm 19 will move upwardly on the guide rods 16 attached to said section, and will thereby swing the forward end of arm 22 downwardly, moving said forward end downwardly on the guide rod 16 of the forward section 1 and moving the forward door section rearwardly, this arm 22 fulcruming 011 the bracket 25 of the second door section 2. This provides a moving fulcrum inasmuch as the length of the lever arms from the forward door section to the rock shaft is greater than the length of the lever arm 19 between the rear end of the second door section and said rock shaft. The forward door section will, therefore, move toward open position at a greater rate of speed than the intermediate door section 2 owing to this difference in leverage. When the two outer door sections move to ward open position, the inner door section 3 is also figured to move rearwardly to open position so as to arrive at fully open position substantially simultaneously with the two outer door sections inasmuch as its arm 26 is carried by the rock shaft, which rock shaft is turned by the arm 19 when door section 2 is moved rearwardly to open position.

It frequently happens (assuming that the sliding door structure comprises the entrance door in an elevator well), that it is not necessary for the operator to open the door structure to its fullest extent. 1n the present case the force of the power mechanism through arm 10 normally tends to turn the rock shaft in a direction to swing arm 19 so as to move the inner and outer door sections to closed o-sition, and also swings arm 26 to effect this result but in the special manner hereinafter described. If arm 26 were rigidly secured to the rock shaft 9, it would be necessary for the operator to apply sufficient power to swing arm 26 also and pull the inner door section rearwardly whether or not the entire door structure had to be opened to its fullest extent. To cut down the power necessary to move the two outer sections to partially opened position, I provide a lost motion connection between the inner or rear end of arm 26 and this rock shaft, which connection and the angle and leverage of arm 26 is figured to bring the inner door section to fully opened and closed positions substantially simultaneously with the outer door sections but which does not move said inner door section when the two outer door sections are open, say, for the width of the outermost door section. In such a case a large enough exit or entrance opening is afforded for, say, a single person. To this end the rock shaft 9 is provided with a pin 28 operating in an elongated slot 27 formed in the end of arm 26. The length of this slot is figured to permit a relatively free angular movement of arm 19 sufiicient to move the outer door sections the desired extent. In the turning movement of the rock shaft in door closing direction by means of the power mechanism, there will be a slight inactive period on the part of the innermost door section, but as before explained, the leverage of arm 26 and the length of slot 27 are figured to equalize this and to move the inner door section toward closed position so that it reaches this position substantially simultaneously with the other door sections. The various door sections herein described will, of course, move at relatively different speeds in order to reach thesetwo different positions substantially simultaneously, as will be evident. The-fulcrum point 2 1 of the second arm 22 is on the outer section 2 of the door structure and owing to this differential movement of the door sections, the point 24L provides a moving fulcrum for the arm 22 operating to give the outermost door section 1 a maximum speed as it approaches and recedes from closed position.

In opening the door sections against the force of the power closer mechanism, the

intermediate door sectlon 2 will be moved rearwardly first, this movement of this door section swinging the arm 19 and its rock shaft; also the second arm 22, thereby operating to move the various door sections toward open position. It is desirable to provide a convenient operating means for moving this intermediate door section rearwardly or toward open position. 1 provide, however, in connection with such an operating means, a locking means controlled thereby and coaeting with the first arm 19 to hold the same against movement when the door sections are closed, thereby operating to lock the door sections in closed position. To this end on the bracket 25 I pivot the lower end of the handle member 30 having an offset grip portion 3O intermediate its ends. The upper end of this handle portion is provided with a hook 31. The sliding connection with the rear edge of the intermediate door section formed by the spaced plates 17 provides a means coacting with the hook 31 to lock the arm against movement and the door sections closed. One of the spaced plates 17 of the sliding connection is extended forwardly to bring its edge parallel with and against the rear edge of the door so that it is guided thereon and in the same plane during the movement of the sliding connection vertically on its guide rod 16. This plate 17 is Provided with a depending offset- 17 having at its lower end a hook 17 in alinement with the hook 31 of the controlling handle and positioned thereunder when the door sections reach closed position (see Figs. 1, 10 and 11). This controlling handle has extending from its rear face a lug 32 centrally apertured. Fixedly secured to the rear edge of the door section 2 is a bracket plate 33 having a headed stud 34 thereon whose shank extends through the aperture of the lug 32. Between the lug 32 and the head of the stud 34, a coiled spring 35 is inserted, this coiled spring normally tending to hold the handle lug 32 and the bracket plate 33 in engagement. A free movement of the operating handle rela tive to the door section 2 is, therefore, permitted, this movement being limited by the compression of the coiled spring 35 bet-ween the lug 32 and the head of the stud 34, and providing a range of movement sufficient to move the hooked end 31 of the handle clear of the plane of vertical movement of the hooked end 17 of the sliding connection. Assuming the door sections are in closed position, as shown in Fig. 1, in order to move them to open position the operator grasps the handle 30 and moves it to the right, the relative free movement of the handle moving its hooked end 30 away from the hook 17 Further pull on the handle 30 is ap plied. directly to the second door section 2 through the headed stud 34: so that the controlling arm 19 with its sliding connection and hooked end will be swung upwardly and beyond the upper hooked end of the controlling handle (see Figs. 2 and 3). lVhen the door sections close, this plate 17 with its hooked end moves downwardly and engages the upper hooked end 31 of the controlling handle, forcing the same outwardly against the pressure of coiled spring 35 until the hooked end 17 snaps under the hooked end 31 of this handle, whereupon the hooked end of this plate and the controlling arm 19 are held against vertical and, therefore, door opening movement. This holds the rock shaft 9 against movement and consequently the inner door section 3 cannot be moved toward open position because the pin 28 of the rock shaft in this position abuts against the outer end of the slot 27 in the end of the controlling arm 26 for said section (see Fig. 6)

The opening and closing operations of the various door sections have already been described and need not be repeated in detail. Suffice it to say that when the intermediate door section 2 is moved rearwardly through the operating handle 30, the controlling arm 19 swings upwardly, moving this door section rearwardly and at the same time, through arm 22, moving the outermost door section 1 rearwardly but at a greater speed. When the rock shaft 9 has turned through an angle great enough to bring its pin 28 against the rear end of the slot 27 in arm 26, then the innermost door section 3 will begin to move toward open position, and as the movement of the rock shaft continues, all three door sections will continue to move and will reach fully opened position substantially simultaneously. W hen the operator releases the handle, the power mechanism will reverse the direction of movement of the rock shaft, swinging the controlling arm 19, the arm 22 carried thereby and also arm 26 in door closing direction to move their respective door sections toward closed position, as heretofore described, the controlling handle 30 interlocking with the sliding connection of the first of these arms when the door ections reach closed position.

While a specific construction of door control has been described, and while the same has been shown as applied to a three-section door structure, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to these specific forms and combinations but may be modified in struc ture and in relative arrangement of parts within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim, therefore, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and ar ranged for operative connection with a plurality of said door sections, and a second arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with another of said series of door sections.

2. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swing ing with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection, with a plurality of said door sections, a second arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operativeconnection with another of said series of door sections, and power mechanism operatively connected with said rock shaft and normally tending to turn the same in one direction.

3. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative sliding engagement with a plurality of adjacent door sections of said series, and a second arm carried by said rock shaft and arranged for sliding engage ment with another door section of said series. 4c- Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative sliding engagementwith a plurality of adjacent door sections of said series, a second arm carried by said rock shaft and arranged for sliding engagement with another door section of said series, and power mechanism opcratively connected with said rock shaft and normally tending to turn the same in one direction.

5. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with an outer sliding door section of said series, a second arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged to be operatively connected with an inner door section of said series, said second arm having a lost motion connection with said rock shaft.

6. Operating means for a series of three complemental sliding door sections compris ing a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with the two outer door sections of said series, a second arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with the inner door section of said series, said second arm having a lost motion connection with said rock shaft.

7. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative sliding connection with a plurality of adjacent outer door sections of said series, a second arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft, and arranged for operative sliding connection with an inner door section of said series, said second arm having a lost motion con nection with said shaft.

8. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative sliding connection with a plurality of adjacent outer door sections of said series, a second arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft, and arranged for operative sliding connection with an inner door section of said series, said second arm having a lost motion connection with said shaft, and power mechanism operatively connected with said rock shaft and normally tending to turn the same in one direction.

9. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with a plurality of said door sections, a second arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with another of said series of door sections, an operating handle carried by one of said door sections, and locking means controlled by said handle and coacting with one of said arms to hold the same against movement and to lock the door sections in closed position 10. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative sliding engagement with a plurality of adjacent door sections of said series, a second arm carried by said rock shaft and arranged for sliding engag ment with another doOr section of said series, an operating handle carried by one of said door sections, and locking means controlled by said handle and coacting with one of said arms to hold the same against movement and to lock the door sections in closed position.

11. Operating means for a series of com- 1 0 plemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative sliding engagement with a plurality of adjacent door sections of 105 said series, a second arm carried by said rock shaft and arranged for sliding engagement with another door section of said series, power mechanism operatively connected with said rock shaft and normally tend- 110 ing to turn the same in a direction to move said arms in door closing direction, an operating handle carried by one of said door sections, and a locking device controlled by said handle and coacting with one of said 115 arms to hold the same against movement and to lock he door sections inclosed position.

12. Operating means for a series of com plemental sliding door sections comprising 120 a rock shaft, an arm carried by and swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with aplurality of adjacent outer door sections of said series, a second arm carried by and 125 swinging with the movement of said shaft and arranged for operative connection with an inner door section of said series, said second arm having a lost motion connection with said rock shaft, an operating handle 1% ally connected adjacent one end to said first arm intermediate its ends and arranged for sliding engagement with another and adjacent door section, said second arm being arranged to be fnlcrumed at a point intermediate its ends on said first named door section; and a third arm carried adjacent one end by said rock shaft and arranged for operative sliding engagement with another door section of said series.

14. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm carried adjacent one end by said shaft and swinging with the movement thereof, said arm having its other end arranged for sliding engagement with one of said door sections, a second arm pivotally connected adjacent one end to said first arm intermediate its ends and arranged for sliding engagement with another and adjacent door section, said second arm being arranged to be fnlcrnmed at a point intermediate its ends on said first named door section; and a third arm carried adjacent one end by said rock shaft and arranged for operative sliding engagement with another 15. Operating means for a series of complemental sliding door sections comprising a rock shaft, an arm fixedly carried adjacent one end by said shaft and swinging with the movement thereof, said arm having its outer end arranged for operative sliding engagement with an outer door section, a second arm pivotally connected adjacent one end to said first arm intermediate its ends and arranged for operative sliding engagement with another and adjacent outer door section, said second arm being arranged to be fnlcrumed at a point intermediate its ends on said first named door section, a third arm carried adjacent one end by said rock shaft and arranged for operative sliding engagement with an inner door section, said arm having a lost motion connection with said rock shaft, an operating handle carried by one of said door sections and locking means controlled by said handle and coacting with said first mentioned arm to hold the same against movement and to lock said door sections in closed position, and power mechanism operatively connected to said rock shaft and normally tending to turn the same in a direction to swing said arms in door closing direction.

HENRY G. VOIGHT. Witnesses Gwnnnonrnn A. JACKSON, CHARLES E. RUssnLL.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

